"Canadian leader in nanotechnology,
Quebec can even lay claim to belonging to the international avant-garde,
alongside American, European and Asian giants." This statement is from Jean
Gaulin, renowned industrialist and chairman of the board of directors of
NanoQuébec, a non-profit organization committed to the development and
commercial application of nanotechnology. He delivered this message at the
organization's press conference, attended by federal and provincial ministers,
representatives of the Montreal Metropolitan Community as well as members of
industry and academia.
At the beginning of a major industrial revolution
Nanoscience and nanotechnology are set to revolutionize many sectors of
activity. In fact, the expression "the third industrial revolution" is often
used to describe this phenomenon. "It all started when scientists decided to
penetrate the mystery of what was really happening on the scale of the
infinitely small, and they made astonishing discoveries about the
characteristics and behaviours of molecules and atoms," said Gaulin. From that
point on, scientists worked to reorganize matter atom-by-atom and to design
materials and processes with unique properties.
The economic potential of this new field of activity is dizzying. Studies
estimate that the world nanotechnology annual market could reach more than a
trillion dollars within twelve years, of which $10 to 15 billion could go to
Quebec. Given the importance of anticipated impacts, many countries and
regions are competing intensely to position themselves strategically on the
international nanotechnology stage.
Quebec, a leader in nanotechnology
Quebec has carved out an enviable place in nanotechnology. Some $400
million has already been invested in research infrastructure devoted in whole
or in part to nanotechnology. "But there is more," Gaulin added, "a true
dialogue has progressively been established among all the players involved,
ensuring a solid network from basic research to commercial applications in
industry." In parallel, training centres are taking up the challenge and
equipping themselves with innovative programs, while some forty young SMEs are
already operating in the nanotechnology sector in Quebec.
NanoQuébec and the power to bring players together
Nanotechnology would not have seen such development in Quebec if a
structured and comprehensive effort had not guided its development. The
contribution of the federal, provincial and regional governments, which
underpinned the creation of NanoQuébec, has been indispensable.
Founded in 2001, initially to establish a solid university network,
NanoQuébec broadened its mandate in 2003 to include support for innovation and
increasing the recognition of research. To support this expanded role, a board
of directors was established with a large fraction of the membership open to
private enterprise, thereby reinforcing its links between researchers and
industry. "Even very young," explains Gaulin, "the organization already had a
very impressive portfolio of activities. Its accomplishments are legion."
And it's only just begun
In spite of its promise, the field of nanotechnology faces several major
challenges. "First of all, we need to maintain and reinforce the leadership of
Quebec in this field," said Gaulin. "To do this, we need to obtain an even
stronger and better supported commitment from all partners and continue to
focus effort on the development of concrete and marketable applications. In
this sense, the increased participation of the industrial world, and in
particular of major industry, is particularly necessary. The business
community, for its part, should come together and work to increase access to
venture capital."
The integrated strategy on which the development of nanotechnology is
based requires that Quebec equip itself with an action plan with clear
priorities. NanoQuébec is currently working in partnership with Quebec's
majors players in nanotechnology to outline the parameters of this action
plan.
Finally, the development of nanotechnology should be transparent and meet
ethical criteria. Quebec society must be informed a priori of what
nanotechnologies are and their potential impact. NanoQuébec is making this a
priority. "Every technological breakthrough that delivers undeniable
advantages," concluded Gaulin, "also carries risks of all sorts, which we must
learn to understand, measure and manage."
NanoQuébec brings together all the players in Quebec in order to build
the synergy necessary for the development and commercialization of
nanotechnology, a domain of crucial importance for Quebec, its economy,
its society and its regions. The strengths of NanoQuébec are embodied in
its effective links to the research community, to industry participants,
to all levels of government and by a formal accord with eight university
institutions in Quebec - Concordia, Laval, McGill, Montreal, Sherbrooke,
INRS, Ecole Polytechnique, and Ecole de technologie supérieure. On the
international stage, NanoQuébec has proved effective as a player based
largely on its reputation for building functional regional relationships
in nanotechnology with France and the State of New York among others.
